The late Bertrice Small’s son, Tom Small, has announced that his mother left two novels unfinished. And there’s more news! Tom is auctioning off Bertrice’s original manuscripts and cover art.
Two New Bertrice Small Books to Come Soon
We have been following The Real Beatrice Small’s Facebook account for news, which her son Tom has managed. Since his mother’s passing, Tom has successfully maintained the memory of his mother’s work.
Small informed his followers about several upcoming Bertrice Small projects. The author left behind two published manuscripts, although only one might see the light of day.
Also, Tom is auctioning off some of his mother’s original manuscripts. He’s also selling original cover art for her books, painted by Elaine Duillo. In addition, other Small-related materials are up for sale.
Serena
Bertrice Small left behind two unfinished manuscripts. The first is Serena, described as a “straightforward romance.” However, it is unlikely to see the light of day, according to the FAQ from her new site:
Q: What’s the deal with “Serena”? Will it ever come out?
A: “Serena” was written at a time when my Mom had just lost my Dad, the love of her life and she was emotionally compromised. The book, while having a great plot to finish up the series, reads rushed. The lush descriptions of places, people and things are not there. She knew she was ill and she was hurrying to finish it up. She wanted to get back to my Dad. A few who knew her have read it, and agree it is not fit for publication. It needs to be edited and cleaned up. It is NOT up to her standards. I know her standards. I have asked many of her peers to help me achieve the goals stated above to get it out there. No one will help. No one wants to touch her work as if she is some famous painter. I get it, but it prevents it from being released. Until it can get to the point she would have wanted it to be at, it will stay, sadly…. Unreleased.
https://www.bertrice-small.com/faqs
Purple Passion/Relentless
The other is a semi-autobiographical endeavor that The Late Queen of Erotic Romance (and Purple Prose) cheekily titled Purple Passion. Although, for now, the working title for publication is Relentless.
Here is Tom describing the book in a video. Click on the link to view.
Auction Bertrice Small Historical Collector’s Items
Tom Small is auctioning off valuable Bertrice Small collector’s items’ books, including original manuscripts of his mother’s works and signed first-edition copies of some of her books.
Other Bertrice Small-related materials works are also up for sale. Additionally, original cover art by Small’s friend, the late legendary artist Elaine Duillo.
The auction is less than a week away and concludes this Friday, Dec 8, 2023, at 9:05 PM EDT.
Some available items:
Conclusions Thought on This News About Bertrice Small Projects
This auction represents a unique opportunity for collectors and fans of Bertrice Small. It features her original manuscripts and the iconic cover art by Elaine Duillo, a legend in the romance novel industry. The sale of these items not only preserves the legacy of a beloved author but also showcases the collaboration between writer and artist in romance literature.
Hopefully, her book Serena will be published one day, but for now, we anxiously await the release of Relentless.